Football General Manager
- West Ham to sign Callum Wilson
- England forward joins after contract expired at Newcastle
- Will Wilson overcome Hammers striker curse?
Wilson has been a free agent for a short time after his contract at Newcastle expired at the end of June and West Ham have agreed terms with the striker, per the Athletic. The 33-year-old was once a key player at St. James’ Park, but injuries and inconsistency meant his game time was limited in his final season in the north east. He is expected to sign a heavily incentive-based contract – likely dependent on game-time. The move does mean, whoever, that there doesn’t appear to be a future for Michail Antonio at the London Stadium.
The former Bournemouth forward joins the Hammers looking to avoid becoming the latest No.9 in a long list of flops. Evan Ferguson, Danny Ings and Niclas Fullkrug all failed to make a significant impression last season and Wilson will be aiming to provide more of an impact at the London Stadium.
Wilson may have to raise his game to have the desired impact. He did not manage to score a single goal last season across 20 appearances in the Premier League and League Cup.
After Wilson, Newcastle may also be losing Alexander Isak in this transfer window. They are, however, hoping to fill the void in their attack with RB Leipzig‘s Benjamin Sesko have made an opening bid for the Slovenian worth as much as £70 million. West Ham, meanwhile, have two pre-season games remaining before they begin their Premier League campaign on August 16 against Sunderland. They will likely hope to make one or two signings before that match, with the likes of Jacob Ramsey and Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen having been linked.
